Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alta., Corey Coffey has seen the community go through ups and downs.
From the 2016 forest fire to floods to economic recessions, the Northern Alberta community has persisted.
But the imminent threat of American tariffs has it nervous.
“This feels very different,” said Coffey, who has worked at the oil sands since he was a teenager,
Coffey, the CEO and owner of Goat Mechanical Services, a heavy equipment repair company, said it has been a “roller coaster” as the tariff threats about the industry close. Coffey said that 98 percent of his business is connected to the energy sector.
The plans for an expansion are stopped and there is also a break about the new hiring as a result of the commercial war, he said.
“[There’s] Much uncertainty regarding tariffs and respect for the elections that are now called recently, which puts a lot of uncertainty in the region, “Coffey said.
When asked how fundamental this federal choice is, Coffey said it will be critical.
“This choice will be [a] Defining moment in the next five to 10 years for Canada. Who gets into power and how they portray themselves and how they can negotiate with the Trump administration, that is definitely key to us at this time, “he said.
Important problems
Coffey wants the bureaucracy to be eliminated so that the industry is eliminated and see deadlines for firmer projects.
In addition, he wants the main matches to explain how Canada want to join and what would be Alberta’s role in that.
“Usually, we are like the black dog of the family, the black sheep, right? So how do we fit in this national unit, what are your plans to increase the access of our resources to the west coast and the east coast instead of depending largely on exports through the United States?” Coffey said.
Look | Fort McMurray residents discuss their songs at the polls:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmej0qymgzw
He said the environment is important to take into account.
“In no way does someone eliminate environmental regulations, but certainly look what we can improve in what areas,” Coffey said.
Caitlyn Gould, Director of Commercial Development of Acden, the business arm of the first Nation of Athabasca Chipewyan, agrees that tariff threats have provided uncertainty to the energy sector.
Gould said that Acden has 23 businesses under his umbrella, which mainly serves the oil and gas industry.
“The energy sector and the responsible development of resources in this region and for all Canada, Fort McMurray remains a cornerstone of energy for our nation,” Gould told CBC News.
“It is extremely important not only for our region here, but for all Canada and energy security,” he said.
Trevor Boe will also closely monitor the federal electoral campaign.
BOE, the president of the Diesel city center, a environmental and tailings boneless management company, said tariff threats have created volatility for their company.
“It is really throwing a key in some of our plans. We had a couple of projects that have postponed for this year,” he said.
He said there are three pressing problems when it comes to the oil and gas sector: emission policies, carbon prices and future commercial relations.
And the main question of the polls for BOE is who can best deal with the economy, tariff uncertainties and commercial relations.
“We are in turbulent times at this time and how they navigate those winds against or those unstable waters will be important for Canadians,” said Boe.
Sovereignty on the ballot
Dianna de Sousa, CEO of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, would like to see changes in the proposed emissions limit, the impact assessment law and the prohibition of oil tankers.
Now that there is a threat to Canada’s sovereignty, it is important to cultivate various markets and associate with the federal government, he said.
“So that we can later realize our economic growth and our prosperity as a region as well as a country,” said De Sousa.
She said that the oil and gas sector wants to see more support and more confidence from the federal government, such as regulatory certainty and more infrastructure.
“We are looking for a government that will implement, go back and support policies that really allows us to maximize the value we can have outside of oil and gas,” said De Sousa.
In the minds of residents
At a employment fair in Fort McMurray, the Normand Savoie employment search engine, a heavy equipment driver, said that employment and immigration problems are problems that will track during the campaign, along with energy.
“Pipe. I’m still returning to the pipe,” Savoie said.
“Only more expansion projects in oil plants.”
Lorelie Hartle co -worker surveyed the Employment Fair in search of administrative work. He has worked in the oil and gas sector during the last 16 years.
The commercial war with the United States is the most important thing for her.
“The rates and things we continue listening to. That is scary, especially with oil and gas,” said Hartle.
But she said that she also wants the next prime minister to address job opportunities and housing, adding that she wants her children, who are 30 years old, can pay a home.
